As a beauty editor, I thoroughly enjoy the process of getting ready — especially before a date. (And quite honestly, sometimes even morethan the date itself.) In a perfect world, I’d have time to apply my makeup from foundation to finishing spray in the comfort of my home, but in reality, I’m more likely to shoot off that “5 minutes away!” text from the office as I hastily apply tinted lip balm before sprinting out the door. But there is a way to achieve a happy medium, as long as you’ve got the right tools on hand (or rather, in purse) to execute a few essential touch-ups within minutes.
That said, we rounded up nine of our best date-night beauty buys — all available at Macy’s — that you can count on for a seamless transition from desk (or wherever you are) to date, like a lash-lifting mascara that’ll wake up tired eyes, a geometric lipstick that doubles as lipliner for last-minute precision, and a bitter-orange scent that’ll add an unexpected summery touch (even in the dead of winter). Check out these trusted beauty tips and more, ahead.
A single coat of this cult-favorite, lash-boosting mascara will instantly achieve an eye-opening effect, thanks to the nourishing formula that thickens lashes and locks a dramatic curl in place.
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, $, available at Macy’s
A cat-eye doesn’t have to be a full ordeal: Skip tracing along your upper lashline and, instead, start right at the outer corners of your eyes and flick upwards for a clean wing that feels fresh. Using an ultra-thin tip, like this one from Stila, will help tremendously.
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner, $, available at Macy’s
Banish chapped, winter lips with a healthy swipe of this restorative, shea-butter-infused lip balm. And if you’re into the dewy look, dab a pea-sized amount of the lightweight salve atop your cheekbones for a makeshift highlighter with a light-catching finish.
Clinique Moisture Surge Lip Hydro-Plump Treatment, $, available at Macy’s
A red lip is textbook Date Night 101, and this geometric rouge is particularly useful for achieving precision in a pinch: The slim, geometric bullet doubles as lipliner, hugging every curve of your Cupid’s bow before you fill in the rest of your lips with the sheer, matte shade.
Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture The Slim Sheer Matte Lipstick, $, available at Macy’s
A multipurpose lip and cheek tint is a desk-drawer essential. The key is finding a creamy formula you can warm up with your fingers for speedy, on-the-go application in a universally flattering peachy-pink shade.
Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks, $, available at Macy’s
Groomed brows will add instant polish to any look, whether it’s no-makeup makeup or a full-on beauty beat. Using a grippy, tinted gel, coat both sides of your brow hairs by running the spoolie with and against the natural direction of your hair to better lock everything in place.
Lancôme Sourcils Styler Brow Mascara Gel, $, available at Macy’s
Spraying perfume at the end of the workday directly translates to “I am leaving now,” so spritz on one of the following superior scents with pride. This crisp, radiant option from Coach — with a blend of cactus flower and bitter orange — will escort you out the door as if with a cool, summer night’s breeze (even in the dead of winter).
Coach Dreams Eau de Parfum Spray, 2.0-oz, $, available at Macy’s
With saccharine notes of pomegranate and peony layered over a musky base of mahogany and amber, this dreamy, complex scent is truly unique — and the perfect way to psych yourself up before a date.
Versace Bright Crystal Eau de Toilette, 1.7 oz, $, available at Macy’s
For the die-hard romantics out there, you can’t go wrong with a classic scent like this sweet blend of violet leaves, pink pepper, and white musk.
Ralph Lauren Romance Rollerball, $, available at Macy’s
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
